‘Dre Returns in 2013, Revs add catcher Patrick Arlis, and a former Revs great welcomes a new addition to the family

Celebrating his walk-off home run on September 2 (video below), one of the league’s top hitters, Andres Perez is set to return to York this season

Little by little, the 2013 roster is beginning to take shape, and today the Revs announced the latest signings, bringing back All-Star infielder Andres Perez and signing catcher Patrick Arlis. We also congratulate a former Revs great who welcomed a new addition to the family today. That, plus the full press release, and my $0.02 on the signings after the jump.

The York Revolution have two more players officially signed for the 2013 season, as All-Star infielder Andres Perez will return to the club, while catcher Patrick Arlis joins the mix as well. The signings were announced today by manager Mark Mason, giving the Revs seven players officially under contract for the 2013 season.

Perez put together one of the Atlantic League’s top offensive seasons last year. After playing in the league’s mid-season All-Star Game, Perez copped postseason First Team Atlantic League All-Star accolades, as well as a spot on the prestigious Baseball America’s All-Independent Team. In his first year with York, Perez ranked fourth in the league in batting average (.314), home runs (23), hits (161) and runs scored (86), tied for fourth in doubles (35), fifth in RBI (86) and slugging percentage (.529), while leading the league in total bases (271) and tying for third in extra-base hits (61). His total base and extra-base hit marks established Revs single-season records, while his 23 home runs ranked fourth most in a season in team history, and his 86 RBI tied for fifth most.

“’Dre’ is one of the best hitters I’ve ever coached or seen,” said Mason. “He also worked extremely hard on a daily basis to become a better defensive player. By the end of the year, I believe he was the most improved player in the league.”

Perez began his professional career by signing with the New York Yankees in 2007. The 28-year-old first played in the Atlantic League with Newark in 2009, batting .306 with 17 home runs in only 64 games played, earning a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he spent the remainder of that season, as well as the 2010 campaign. Perez returned to the Atlantic League with Bridgeport in 2011, batting .313 in 87 games played. He is a career .315 hitter in the Atlantic League with 55 home runs in only 279 games played.

Arlis is the second newcomer signed by the Revs for the 2013 season, as the catcher will make his Atlantic League debut. The 11-year-pro has reached the Triple-A level for parts of four seasons with the Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers organizations. Last season, the 32-year-old played for both Amarillo and El Paso of the American Association, batting .302 in 54 games with El Paso.

“Patrick brings over a decade of pro experience and does a great job defensively,” commented Mason. “He has a reputation for working well with pitching staffs and playing outstanding defense.”

Arlis was originally an 11th round draft selection of the Marlins in 2002 out of the University of Illinois. During his prep career, he attended Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, IL, the same alma mater as former Revolution franchise home run leader Jason Aspito.

The 2013 season begins on Opening Night, April 18 at Sovereign Bank Stadium when the Revolution host the Bridgeport Bluefish at 6:30 p.m. Full-season, half-season and partial-season ticket plans are on-sale now at YorkRevolution.com, (717) 801-HITS, and in-person at the Apple Chevrolet Ticket Office. Individual tickets go on-sale at 10 a.m. this Saturday, February 9.

Originally, the Revs were under the impression that they would need to replace Perez heading into the season, as he was expected to play in Mexico this year, but that deal fell through. It’s amazing to say, but Perez almost flew under the radar a little bit last year, with his production overshadowed by what Chris Nowak was doing in the middle of that batting order. But Perez was recognized for his accomplishments and rightfully so, as he really is one of the league’s best hitters. And early last season, he was a defensive liability at second base, but every day, he was out there before and after BP, putting in the extra work with Liu on both basics and the little nuances, and he became a really good fielder as the season went on. He was making every play he was expected to make, and some great ones. My top two moments from ‘Dre last year were his cycle on June 19, and his walk-off home run against the Ducks on September 2.

Arlis is a solid signing as well, and the Revs really now have two good defenders / game-callers behind the plate from what you hear about Arlis, and from what you know about Paniagua. Mase really values that from his catchers, and both are capable at the plate as well which is a bonus. The defense is the big thing from that position though, and it’s not always an easy thing to find.

I’m also really looking forward to having a chance to interview Arlis about his background this season. Like Aspito, he played baseball, football and basketball at Driscoll Catholic, which was a tremendous athletic school. At one point they won seven state titles in football (’02-08). Sadly, I had to use the word “was” a tremendous athletic school. It closed its doors in 2009 due to financial difficulty and declining enrollment. I know Jason was proud of his alma mater and I’m sure Patrick feels the same way.

Speaking of Jason, the Revs would like to offer our congratulations to he and his wife Erin, who gave birth to their first child, daughter Kennedy Scott Aspito, born today on 2/8… of course, Jason wore the number 28. He’s been hard at work starting the brand new Backyard University sports facility in Red Lion which you have to check out sometime, it’s awesome… but I have a feeling someone else is going to be occupying his time quite a bit now as well, for great reason! Again, our congratulations. Couldn’t be happier for them.